3 ms·

Hey Microsoft: The "Apple Tax" doesn't just apply to Apple, and isn't a tax.

4 points by technologizer 18y ago

sadiq 18y ago
The irony is, you've got a choice whether to pay the Apple tax or not (i.e don't buy a Mac). On the rest of computers out there (especially laptops), you're forced to pay a Microsoft tax, whether you want to use the operating system or not. - excluding maybe Dell's Linux offers and low-end netbooks.
- jcl 18y ago
  I, too, found it funny that the article avoids mentioning the well-known "Microsoft tax". In relation to that term, however, the term "Apple tax" might be valid: While it's hard to buy a PC without having to pay for Windows, it's impossible to legally use Mac OSX without having to pay for Apple hardware.
  - flashgordon 18y ago
    actually the same extends to the iPhone SDK, which is virtually unusable without a mac.. i use the word virtually since you COULD run OSX on a PC by doing all hacks yourself but not really a headache free process... sure apple is not forcing anyone to pay a tax, but then what IS a tax? technically apple's antiques are causing a reduction to the consumer surplus... is that better?
grouchyOldGuy 18y ago
"The idea is based on the undeniably-true proposition that you can buy Windows PCs with better specs than Macs for a lot less money." That was true a decade and more ago, but hasn't been true for a long time. Match a Mac with a Dell spec-for-spec and the Mac is the same price or a bit cheaper, but the reputation still lingers.
- andrewtj 18y ago
  The prices are generally competitive but far from always the same or cheaper. For instance, there's a $600 (AUD) advantage Dell's way on a recent comparison I did.
- nomoresecrets 18y ago
  Only if you're inside one of the Mac product ranges. e.g. I want a desktop Mac without an integrated LCD (i.e. not an iMac), and without putting up with laptop class components which compromise performance (i.e. not a Mac mini or laptop). So my choice is a Mac Pro: starting at $2799(!) Fair enough, it's an awesome machine (8 cores, great case design, etc), but it's still nearly 3 thousand dollars. (Aside: I own PCs and Macs, I just feel there's a bit of a gap in Apple's product range there. It's quite possible Apple are right though, and that most people will want to buy a laptop or iMac).

4 points by technologizer 18y ago

sadiq 18y ago

The irony is, you've got a choice whether to pay the Apple tax or not (i.e don't buy a Mac). On the rest of computers out there (especially laptops), you're forced to pay a Microsoft tax, whether you want to use the operating system or not. - excluding maybe Dell's Linux offers and low-end netbooks.

jcl 18y ago
I, too, found it funny that the article avoids mentioning the well-known "Microsoft tax". In relation to that term, however, the term "Apple tax" might be valid: While it's hard to buy a PC without having to pay for Windows, it's impossible to legally use Mac OSX without having to pay for Apple hardware.
- flashgordon 18y ago
  actually the same extends to the iPhone SDK, which is virtually unusable without a mac.. i use the word virtually since you COULD run OSX on a PC by doing all hacks yourself but not really a headache free process... sure apple is not forcing anyone to pay a tax, but then what IS a tax? technically apple's antiques are causing a reduction to the consumer surplus... is that better?

grouchyOldGuy 18y ago

"The idea is based on the undeniably-true proposition that you can buy Windows PCs with better specs than Macs for a lot less money." That was true a decade and more ago, but hasn't been true for a long time. Match a Mac with a Dell spec-for-spec and the Mac is the same price or a bit cheaper, but the reputation still lingers.

andrewtj 18y ago
The prices are generally competitive but far from always the same or cheaper. For instance, there's a $600 (AUD) advantage Dell's way on a recent comparison I did.
nomoresecrets 18y ago
Only if you're inside one of the Mac product ranges. e.g. I want a desktop Mac without an integrated LCD (i.e. not an iMac), and without putting up with laptop class components which compromise performance (i.e. not a Mac mini or laptop). So my choice is a Mac Pro: starting at $2799(!) Fair enough, it's an awesome machine (8 cores, great case design, etc), but it's still nearly 3 thousand dollars. (Aside: I own PCs and Macs, I just feel there's a bit of a gap in Apple's product range there. It's quite possible Apple are right though, and that most people will want to buy a laptop or iMac).